Government has no intention of relaxing fracking rules, letter shows

Correspondence obtained by Unearthed through Freedom of Information shows ministers do not intend to change rules on tremors that can halt fracking.

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Ministers have “no intention of altering” regulations on tremors caused by fracking which have repeatedly halted work in Lancashire, it has emerged.

Shale firm Cuadrilla has called for the relaxation of the rules which have forced the company to pause fracking in Lancashire on a number of occasions when seismic activity above thresholds in the “traffic light system” have occurred.

But a letter from Energy and Clean Growth Minister Claire Perry, obtained through a Freedom of Information request by Greenpeace’s investigative news team Unearthed, indicates the Government is standing firm on the regulations.

A worker at the Cuadrilla fracking site in Preston New Road (Danny Lawson/PA)

But she wrote: “While I hope the industry can thrive in the years ahead, I have always been clear that any shale developments must be safe and environmentally sound.”

She said the company’s hydraulic fracture plan was developed and reviewed over several months with reference to existing regulations “and at no point did you communicate that it would not be possible to proceed without a change in regulations”.

And she concluded: “The Government believes the current system is fit for purpose and has no intention of altering it.”

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A number of tremors have been detected that breach the threshold since the controversial process began at Preston New Road on October 15.

In December, a 1.5 local magnitude quake was recorded which was felt in Blackpool.

Dr Doug Parr, chief scientist for Greenpeace UK, said: “After years of bending over backwards to pander to this industry’s every wish, the Government’s patience with fracking seems to be wearing thin.

“It makes no sense for ministers to fritter away more political capital on an industry which has produced no energy whatsoever and looks increasing unlikely ever to do so.

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The initiative has sparked long-running protests (John Stilwell/PA)

He called for ministers to reverse their support for shale and speed up a clean energy infrastructure programme for the UK.

A spokesman for Cuadrilla said: “We’re obviously aware of the letter which was received in November and the Government’s position on the traffic light system.

“We have worked within the system during recent hydraulic fracturing at Preston New Road and as a result have a unique data set of information and operating experience.

“We are now flow-testing the well that has been fractured and are continuing operations as planned.”